Kylian Mbappe Buys Majority Stake In French Club Caen

Real Madrid Star Kylian Mbappe Becomes One of Europe’s Youngest Club Owners with €20M Deal for Ligue 2 Side Caen

The 25-year-old is set to become the majority shareholder at Ligue 2 side SM Caen, according to reports from Le Parisien reports that Mbappe will pay just under €20 million (£17m/$22m) to acquire an 80% stake from the American investment group Oaktree.

Pierre Antoine Capton, the current administrative president, will retain the remaining 20% shares, valued at €5 million (£4.2m/$5.4m). Part of Mbappe’s investment will be used to help absorb the club’s existing debt.

This move marks an ambitious step for Kylian Mbappe, reflecting his desire to contribute to the development of French football beyond his playing career.

By investing in SM Caen, he aims to bring fresh energy and resources to the club, potentially elevating its status and performance.

Mbappe’s involvement could also inspire other high-profile players to support lower-tier teams, fostering a stronger, more dynamic football culture in France.

Ziad Hammoud, currently heading Mbappe’s brand image team, is set to be installed as the new president of SM Caen by Mbappe and his mother, Fayza Lamari.

Interestingly, Lamari almost negotiated for Mbappe to join Caen several years ago before they decided on AS Monaco instead.

Kylian Mbappe’s investment in Caen is clearly a strategic move to expand his brand, echoing the footsteps of David Beckham, who also bought a club.

It’s rare for active players to take on such significant roles in club ownership, and while Mbappe might not be involved in the day-to-day operations, this investment underscores the vast disparity between football’s elite level and the more modest tiers of the sport.

By taking this step, Mbappe aims to make a tangible impact on French football beyond his playing career.

His involvement could bring much-needed attention and resources to SM Caen, potentially elevating the club’s status and performance.

This move might also inspire other top players to support lower-tier teams, fostering a stronger and more dynamic football culture in France.

What’s Next for Kylian Mbappe?

In the short term, Kylian Mbappe is eager to make his Real Madrid debut, expected next month in the UEFA Super Cup.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe Buys Majority Stake in French Club Caen

However, his ambitions now extend beyond the pitch to his new investment in Caen, a club that has fluctuated between divisions and has been in France’s second tier since 2019.

Looking ahead, Mbappe’s influence on Caen could be transformative. His involvement might bring a new level of attention and resources to the club, potentially helping it climb the ranks of French football.

In the distant future, Kylian Mbappe might even play for his own club, following in the footsteps of Didier Drogba, who played for his USL side Phoenix Rising in 2017.

This move not only highlights Mbappe’s business acumen but also his commitment to the development of French football.

Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/